Installation Instructions for a Chimney Cap
Chimney caps prevent rain, birds and small animals from entering the chimney. Three very different types of chimneys require the appropriate chimney cap. An inside mount chimney cap is used for a chimney with a round or square chimney flue. A single flue chimney cap is used when the chimney flue extends past the top of the chimney. Crown mounted chimney caps are used on chimneys that the flue does not extend past the tops of the chimney or when more than one chimney cap is used for multiple chimneys. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Squeeze tube of silicone caulk
- Drill
- Screwdriver bit
- Screwdriver
- Masonry drill bit
- Masonry screws
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Instructions
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Inside Mount for Round Chimney
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1
Inspect the flue for rust or other signs of corrosion.
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2
Push the chimney cap into the chimney flue.
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3
Squeeze a bead of silicone caulk around the seam where the chimney cap is inserted into the chimney flue. Do not use caulk if the chimney flue is metal.
Single Flue Chimney Cap
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4
Inspect the chimney flue for signs of corrosion such as rust or flaking.
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5
Position the chimney cap over the chimney flue and push down onto the flue.
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6
Align screw holes and secure with sheet metal screws.
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7
Squeeze a bead of silicone caulk around the seam where the chimney flue is inserted into the chimney cap.
Crown Mount Chimney Cap
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8
Inspect the chimney flue for rust or flaking, which are signs of corrosion.
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9
Position the top mount chimney cap on the chimney.
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10
Bend the flanges at the base of the chimney cap so they are tight against the chimney.
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11
Use a pencil to trace around the edge of the flanges and remove the top mount chimney cap.
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12
Squeeze a liberal amount of all-weather adhesive (usually included with the chimney cap) onto the bottom of the chimney cap flanges in a zig-zag pattern.
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13
Position the chimney cap back into the traced area and press into position.
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14
Installing masonry screws may be optional or suggested by the manufacturer. Install them by drilling pilot holes through the chimney cap flanges and into the chimney with an appropriate sized masonry drill bit. Place one every 12 inches, for example, place one in the center of a 12 to 23 inch side of the chimney cap or one on each side of a chimney cap that is 24 or more inches long. Do not use pre-existing holes. Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to install masonry screws into the pilot holes.
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Tips & Warnings
Signs of corrosion in the chimney flue indicate the need for inspection of the chimney by a professional chimney sweep.
Check local building codes before purchasing a chimney cap. Different locations have different requirements as to which chimney caps meet local building codes for safety.
References
- Photo Credit roof and chimney image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
